My husband, daughter (age 13) and myself will be in San Francisco in July for 4 nights. We have a reservation at the Renaissance Standford Court but have read some bad reviews of it, such as the rooms being old and not remodeled. Also, how important is it to have a swimming pool? Would the Hilton be a better choice?

I don't know about the hotel, but I lived in S.F. for several years and believe me, you don't need a swimming pool there in July!

Stanford Court has fairly recently changed owners and been renovated, but I haven't been inside. The Hilton is a huge business hotel and doesn't reflect any of the feel of SF. I think you'll find much more to do than swimming. Take your daughter for a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Across the street are licensed street vendors who sell hand made silver jewelry and T shirts that that age loves. There's one performance of Beach Blanket Babylon that kids can attend (not banned because of content but because liquor is served at the others) I think it's Thursday but they have a website. She'd also probably like strolling the shops on Union Street in Cow Hollow (not Union Square) Since it's the tourist season, make any special restaurant reservations now.

Try the Hilton at Fisherman's Wharf, or the Westin St Francis which sometimes has good rates when booked online at travelocity.

Eat at the Cheesecake Factory up atop Macy's.

Cheesecake Factory---YUCK. So many better choices in San Francisco.

Gayle, I just returned from SF this week. We (daughter-15, son-12 and I) stayed at the Handlery on Union Square. It was a nice hotel without all the expense, plus we were right there where all the shops are and the trolley and street cars. I couldn't tell you if we say the Renaissance or not, we say so many hotels. Good Luck and have fun. OH the swimming pool, our hotel had a pool, but we just walked by it. It was to cold to swim. I thought it would be a lot warmer, NOPE. Take warm clothes, also take the Alcatraz night tour if you can the lights of SF are great from there. I posted my trip report today, be sure and read that.
Thanks,
Melissa

People are booking the Park Hyatt, a great 4-star boutique hotel near Embarcadero Center (shopping) for $50 to $55/ night through Priceline. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com, scroll down to hotels, open the link to San Francisco hotels. It'll be worth scouting out.

Quikbook is also having some good rates. We're booked at the Sir Francis Drake over the 4th of July for $109. A co-worker just used Expedia and selected the "Mystery Hotel" option...they pick a 4 star hotel for you for a very low price. He got the Serrano Hotel for $89 a night.

We having been having all sorts of luck with P'line and Hotwire for SF hotels this year.
we did get the "boutiquey" Harbour Court Inn a few eeks ago for $84.
Had the Park Hyatt last month for $75/night.

The Harbour Court is right next door to a very upscale YMCA and I believe you get use of the facility for a lower day rate if you stay at HCI.
Kal

Gayle, My family will be in San Fran July 4th week and my wife does the intennerary (see I cant even spell it), she always researchs accomodations and we have never been disapointed! She picked the Sheraton @ Fishermans Wharf; it has either an indoor or heated pool, it also got a AAA 4 star rating.

I used to stay at the Sheraton FW all the time. Rooms are smallish, but it was a very good, clean property.

Stanford Court is just off the top of Nob Hill, across from The Mark Hopkins and down the street from the Fairmont (or vice versa?). It's tough to beat the location.